Nearly a month of build up comes to an end today (Friday) as Iowa and Tennessee collide in the Taxslayer Bowl in Jacksonville. For the Hawkeyes it is a chance to end what has been a disappointing season on a positive note but they will need to get by a Volunteer team that is making its first bowl appearance since 2010. The Hawkeyes struggled this season against dual threat quarterbacks and Tennessee has one in sophomore Joshua Dobbs, who took over midway through the season after an injury to Justin Worley.

Coach Kirk Ferentz says Tennessee will try to keep the Iowa defense off balance. Iowa’s offense should have more big play ability with a healthy Jordan Canzeri getting some carries at running back. Jake Rudock will start at quarterback but C.J. Beatherd is also expected to play in the opening half.

Tennessee coach Butch Jones says his players are ready for kickoff, but it will take a great effort to beat the Hawkeyes. Tennessee has 17 freshmen in the two-deep. If the Volunteers have a weakness it is the offensive line and right tackle Jacob Gilliam says they will need to find a way to handle Iowa’s defensive line.

Iowa is 7-5 and Tennessee is 6-6 and this will be their third meeting. The Hawkeyes beat the Volunteers 28-22 in the 1982 Peach Bowl and Tennessee claimed a 23-22 win in the 1987 Kickoff Classic. Catch the game today beginning at Noon, on KJAN.

(Learfield Sports)